Glenrothes

Fife welcomes Chernobyl youngsters

Children from Belarus, an area still affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, were recently welcomed by a Glenrothes opticians where they had eye health checks.

A group of six youngsters visited the local Specsavers store with an interpreter and each received free eye examinations. Two required glasses and were provided with a new pair on the day.

The children live in an area still affected by the 1986 explosion and were in Scotland on a recuperative four-week holiday, organised by the Fife link of charity Chernobyl Children’s Life Line. The organisation aims to improve the health and wellbeing of children still suffering from the aftermath of the disaster.

The visits, during which the children stay with local families, are said to boost their immune systems for at least two years, helping them to resist or recover from serious illness.

A word from our store director

Specsavers store director Stewart Wilson said: ‘We have been involved with Chernobyl Children’s Life Line recuperative visits for almost 15 years and we are always delighted to welcome visiting groups into the store.

‘Our opticians carried out eye examinations on all of the visiting youngsters and it was wonderful to gift free glasses to those who needed them.

‘Having the correct eyecare can greatly improve quality of life and education. We often take access to eyecare for granted in this country, but sadly many of these children don’t get the treatment they need. It was a pleasure to be able to help.’

Excellent service

Jacqueline Niven, secretary of the Fife link, said: ‘The staff, as always, were fantastic with the children and put them at ease very quickly. This was their first time visiting an opticians and didn't really know what to expect.

‘The two girls who needed glasses spotted some lovely pink and purple frames and had their hearts set on them. Luckily their prescription allowed for them to come away with the glasses on the same day.’